Summary: This is the twelfth part of a series in response to many challenges, the first of which is "what if Xander had been possessed by a different animal
A Monastery in Eastern Europe
"It is time, gather the Brothers, it is time to establish her in this reality with That Which We Protect in her," the Abbot directed, "It seems there are many who chose to fight the Darkness, and the auguries show this as our best venue for decades to come without allowing Glorificus knowledge of her whereabouts. God save us All."
Tuesday Morning, October 14th, SHS Library, Four Hours Later.
"So," Ampa realized, "Willow and I will be receiving very nice presents from our Xander soon?" Willow returned her beaming smile as Xander rolled his eyes and the other teens laughed at him.
"Somehow even though I'm now 'Lord of the Hellmouth,'" Xander sighed melodramatically, "a guy just can't get respect." He smiled, and wondered what it was about Ampa and Willow that mad him feel so at peace.
"No, just you, Xan," Amy snickered, setting off another round of chuckles.
"It's okay, Xander," the fifteen-year-old sister of the slayer added, "As long as I get presents, I'll respect you." Everybody resumed comfortable seating.
"Thanks Dawn-Patrol," Xander said, bestowing on his other 'little sister' his patented lopsided grin, "I knew I could count on your mercenary attitude to never change."
"I learned form the master," she quipped. As he waved a pack of Twinkies just outside of her grasp, she lunged forward, "Gimme." Ampa and Willow looked mock-outraged to be denied equal giftage.
"Hey," Willow began, only to see two twin-packs head toward her and Ampa, "That's more like it Mister." Principal Flutie walked in just before the bell was do to ring.
"Alex, my favorite student," Flutie began, smirking at Xander's suspicion, "I was asked by the Mayor to provide guides for the grade school students on Halloween, and Vice Principal Snyder suggested you and your various clubs and mentors, something about, 'if they really are reforming, this'll help demonstrate it.' Now, I need to have you find about two dozen trustworthy people to lead around four hundred and forty or so kids. The rendezvous and departure will be four-thirty in the afternoon and return by six o'clock. Costumes required, a connecting theme if you can come up with one. Good guys preferably." The bell rang. "Good luck." He left.
"Let's see," Xander mused, "A theme that will let us keep up our guard after dark, just in case...Highlander!"
"Cool!" Andrew, Jonathan and Amy enthused.
"Ramirez," Ampa smiled, and Willow blushed for unspoken reasons as she looked at Xander.
"What?" Xander responded.
"When you're really tired, you have the accent now," Ampa explained with a smile.
"What?" Buffy asked, "Are you already corrupting Ampa with your television habits, Xan?"
"Only the ones Willow likes for now," Xander smiled, rolling his eyes, "And I get to choose who goes as which Immortal, and I think you'll approve. That means you, too, Giles."
"M-Me?" the librarian asked, "I-I really don't think I need to be a part of this."
"You'll be partnered up with Jenny, and I think you'll approve of her attire, on that trust me." Giles raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.
SHS Gymnasium, 4:30PM
"Okay, great work everybody," Xander called out, "Cheerleaders, thank you to those who could sign up as Halloween guides."
"That went well," Buffy said, smirking, "I think you got six more than you expected from the Cordettes, man who didn't wear a shirt today."
"I learned everything about distraction from the female of the species," Xander joked, "Though I'm still not letting Giles and the other 'mentors' off the hook. And Angel will be safely here manning Candy Central. Hey, Buff, can you ride with Willow to drop off the list and swords at the costume place?"
"No prob, Xan," the slayer remarked.
Ethan's Costume Shoppe, 5:30 PM
"So, Mr. Rayne," Willow said, with lists and measurements, and a few Polaroid pictures for perspective, "I know we talked on the phone, but I just want to make sure I'll be able to pick these up the evening before Halloween." He dropped the pictures, and Ethan Rayne noticed that of Rupert Giles. Ethan grew a very large feral smile as Buffy placed the last box on the counter.
"The pleasure is all mine, trust me young lady," the proprietor replied, "And of course they'll be ready."
Ethan stared at the redhead as she left; there seemed to be a definite but minor 'influence' to her aura.
"I have to dress up as a Scotsman on Halloween?" Angel grimaced, "It's bad enough it's so...hokey..."
"I'm dressed as your wife," Buffy glared.
"Why didn't you say so?" Angel retracted, "I knew there had to be something wonderful about this idea."
"Hmmm, good enough recovery," Buffy responded, "In that case you may buy me a latte."